AHS Protective Services implements province-wide security strategy

100% of AHS hospitals will have access to security services

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has developed a comprehensive protective services strategy that ensures all hospitals across Alberta have access to security services when they need them. 

AHS took into account each community’s unique needs when developing this new strategy. Security levels for each site were determined through a comprehensive review of community crime data, patient volumes, health and safety, and security incidents. Further, with recent feedback from rural communities, the strategy was adjusted to best accommodate local needs.
Under the former regions, less than half of Alberta hospitals had access to security services.  With the new service model, 100 per cent of AHS hospitals will have access to security services; an additional 72 sites. Many of these sites – particularly up North – have struggled with security solutions in the past, so we are pleased to soon be able to extend our services to these areas. Through the deployment of mobile community peace officers we will be able to reach out to even our most remote sites.

The new strategy considers the unique aspects of each site while improving province-wide access. Urban facilities will see a level of coverage consistent with this review. Rural facilities that previously had coverage will maintain their protective service levels.

Highlights of the new strategy include:

• A hybrid staffing model of in-house Community Peace Officers, contract security officers and mobile patrols which will provide the flexibility needed to respond quickly and save $3.5M in annual security costs.
• An expanded role for the Community Peace Officers who will be able to act on provincial statutes such as the Gaming & Liquor Act, Mental Health Act, Trespass to Premises Act and the Tobacco Reduction Act.
• A centralized security operations centre in Edmonton which will provide 24/7 access to protective services for all AHS locations. Dispatch operators have direct real-time communication with our site officers and mobile patrols through a new provincial radio system.
• A new technology plan which includes security cameras and access control - the ability to view, and be in contact with, all AHS locations enables better response times and a coordinated approach to security issues in any one location.
• The availability of expertise in corporate investigations, threat assessments, security technologies, and security policy.